Ethiopia uses ethanol stoves to reduce deforestation, reduce air pollution AND IMPROVE HEALTH!

[JohnWxy]

as has been noted on this forum burning biomass in primitive stoves presents health hazards to millions in the developing world. That's one of the pluses to the use of ethanol burning stoves being used in developing world:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=103&topic_id=503670


One of the major causes of deforestation (and desertification in semi-arid regions) is the use of trees and shrubs for firewood and to make charcoal (for sale) . This causes deforestation and in semi-arid lands exacerbates desertification (a big concern in sub-Saharan Africa).

In the underdeveloped world most rural people use wood or cow dung for cooking. They are thus exposing themselves to high levels of indoor air pollution and adding to the problem of GHG emissions. THe indoor air pollution presents health problems over time for these people.

Ethiopia (and other sub-Saharan African nations) are exploring the use of ethanol-gel fueled stoves which dramatically reduce the pollution the users are exposed to and GHG emissions and at the same time reduces the harvesting of local trees which contributes to desertification.

[joshcryer]

1. I myself am a fan of the waste derived methane stoves.

I do believe you posted about them before, John.

[JohnWxy]

2. Yes, I posted about Anaerobic Digesters for producing methane from animal waste. THe methane can be

used as fuel. We are wasting a valuable energy source and letting it contribute to Global Warming by not using animal waste (and that includes humans, of course) as a source of methane.

It's really a huge source of fuel, and unfortunately now, it's just contributing to global warming. Animal waste contributes more to global warming than the entire transportion sector!

We should be turning cow flatulence into fuel!